Some new players came into the bulk agency MSR market in the second quarter, though Freedom Mortgage and other familiar names remained the biggest buyers. Coissuance volume rose slightly, thanks to Ginnie Mae. (Includes three data charts.)

At its current pace, the banking industry will soon have less than $3 trillion of servicing-for-others on its books. But MSR values saw one of their biggest quarterly gains in early 2021.

The state, in a recent case, took the position that the owner of mortgage servicing rights, whether handling day-to-day obligations or relying on a subservicer, is required to be licensed under state law.

The smart money says it’s time to buy MSRs again. Meanwhile, Texas Capital Bank tries to figure out its future.

Bulk transfers of Fannie and Freddie servicing rights increased significantly from the fourth quarter, but the Ginnie market was dead. New bulk buyers topped the ranking. (Includes three data charts.)

Subservicing has been a growth business the past several years but now some mortgage bankers, flush with cash from the refi boom, are bringing the task inhouse.

Many of the bank’s mortgage borrowers saw income increase during the pandemic, with boosts from stimulus checks and unemployment benefits.

Banks continued to allow their portfolios of servicing for others shrink during a year when MSR production levels set records. (Includes data chart.)

Bank acquisitions in the mortgage space have been few and far between the past few years. Still, officials at Western Alliance believe it makes perfect sense for the bank to acquire AmeriHome Mortgage.

EarnUp offers payment and saving-services to consumers and is using the access to borrowers’ bank accounts to provide insights to mortgage servicers.